WINNIPEG – Stepping in to face Stipe Miocic on just three-weeks’ notice proved to be too much of a challenge for Roy Nelson, who saw a three-fight win streak snapped in a unanimous-decision loss.

The heavyweight bout co-headlined today’s UFC 161 event at MTS Centre in Winnipeg. It aired on pay-per-view after prelims on FX and Facebook.

Nelson, who stepped in on short notice to face Miocic to add star power to a card that lost its original main event, was never really in the fight. Miocic steered clear of the big right hand in the early going while looking for a few quick takedown attempts. Meanwhile, Nelson shucked off the moves and looked to deliver his trademark power punches. It was Miocic’s speed that proved the difference in the first, as he largely avoided taking any punches from “Big Country” while slipping and delivering countershots in bunches.

Nelson appeared to tire as the round wore on, taking a few looks up at the clock. Miocic capitalized by delivering a brutal series of punches, elbows and knees. When the round ended, Miocic sauntered casually back to his corner, while Nelson bent over at the waist, showing signs of fatigue.

In the second, Miocic continued to pepper his opponent with straight lefts and rights. Nelson continued to load up on power shots, but the zip continued to fade, and Miocic stayed the busier man. A late Nelson uppercut gave Miocic brief pause, but he quickly retreated to gather his wits before going back on the attack.

Up big on the cards heading into the final frame, Miocic was content to stay at range and fire quick straights while avoiding the big right. Miocic did earn a takedown late in the frame, but Nelson popped right back to his feet, where the fight finished. At the final bell, Miocic’s victory was certain, and he was awarded the win with 30-27 scores across the board after landing 137 significant strikes in the bout.

Meanwhile, Nelson, who has often openly quarreled with UFC President Dana White, could once again be up for a few tense contract negotiation discussions with free agency looming on the horizon.

With the win, Miocic (10-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) rebounds from a September loss to Stefan Struve.

“I guess this was the biggest win of my career,” Miocic said after the fight. “I hit him with some big shots and he took them.

“I’m glad to have put my last fight behind me. This was a big fight for me, and I’m very happy I came through it with the win.”

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